cryptocurrency

American  

[krip-toh-kur-uhn-see, -kuhr-] / ˈkrɪp toʊˌkɜr ən si, -ˌkʌr- /

noun

1. currency that exists only in electronic form, operates on a decentralized system of exchange, and uses advanced cryptography for security, or any individual currency of this type.

   Some expect cryptocurrency to become the dominant means of financing trade between markets.

   This particular cryptocurrency has a huge following among retail traders.

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adjective

1. being or relating to virtual currency that uses advanced cryptography for security.

   They are one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges on the internet.

   She got caught running a cryptocurrency scam.

Usage

What's the difference between cryptocurrency, virtual currency, and digital currency? See digital currency ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of cryptocurrency

First recorded in 2005–10; crypto- + currency

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Explanation

Cryptocurrency is a form of payment that's entirely digital, moving from one computer to another. The most well-known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was also the first ever created. Cryptocurrency gets its name from the cryptography or encryption used to protect digital "coins" and all information exchanged when they're traded. At the heart of the word is crypto-, from the Greek kryptos, "hidden or concealed." Cryptocurrency proponents emphasize its security, and the benefit of trading without the interference of banks or governments. Critics warn that investing real money in cryptocurrency is risky; in 2022, people lost a total of about $2 trillion using the digital exchanges.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cryptocurrency

Myer noted it's not just the tech sector, but industries like cryptocurrency and gambling where large sums of money are being donated in an attempt to exert influence.

From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026

Among Gen Z-ers, 22% own or have owned cryptocurrency and 17% have bet on sports in the past month, the Urban Institute found.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026

Wall Street firms are well on their way to applying cryptocurrency technology to traditional assets like stocks and bonds.

From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026

A spokesperson for Zanjani also previously told the Journal that the financier “has neither required nor relied upon any cryptocurrency exchange for the purpose of money laundering or sanction evasion.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

The plea agreement referenced at least two other victims, including one identified as E.Z., who Iza believed possessed a laptop containing large amount of cryptocurrency.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026

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